Self-retaining post protector

ABSTRACT

A post protector with integrally molded self-retaining features to help secure this device to the base of wooden posts to prevent damage that is typically caused by corded grass trimming tools. This four panel device can be assembled to free standing posts or posts that are used in pre-existing fence construction, and it contains features to allow the post protector to be modified to accommodate swing set support posts. The integrated self-retaining features of this device can also be used to market or display this device in retail outlets. In another embodiment of this invention, an integrally molded flange or a series of flanges are used to prevent grass or vegetation from growing between the self-retaining post protector and the post itself. In yet another embodiment of this invention this device contains flanges on each of the four panels to prevent the rotating cord from moving over the top edge to further protect the post.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

a. Field of Invention

The invention relates generally to wooden post protection, and, moreparticularly, to a new and improved means of protecting such posts fromdamage typically caused by rotating corded grass trimming tools that canbe applied to free standing posts or posts that are used in typicalfence, deck or swing set support construction while offering a means ofself retention onto said posts.

b. Description of Related Art

During typical grounds and landscape maintenance, many people have andare experiencing a problem with deterioration of the posts caused bypowered grass trimming tools with rotating cord or cords. Even the moreexperienced and diligent of users find it difficult to avoid contactingposts during this process and would require significantly more time todo so. As many homeowners and professional landscape and maintenancecrews are interested in completing their tasks in a timely fashion, thespecial care to avoid posts is typically not taken and subsequent damageoccurs. The result of damage is initially an unsightly condition due towear of the wood, and eventually becomes a structural concern asmaintenance continues.

With continued maintenance and contact, the post will become unstableand will eventually need to be replaced. Considering the various typesof post applications, the effects of damage, deterioration andreplacement can be very costly and time consuming.

As posts are typically used in fence, deck and swing set construction,it is very important to protect these to avoid the aforementionedcomplication. Thus, the development of such a device that can readilyaccomplish this would be desirable.

Prior art exists to address this problem, but is limited and restrictedin a variety of ways from performing this function efficiently and on avariety of post applications. For example, Duggan U.S. Pat. No.5,622,356 discloses a three-sided device that is intended for use onpre-existing fence posts, claiming that prior art could not achieveassembly to this type of construction as the vertical fencing panelswould prohibit installation of prior devices to the post. Duggan U.S.Pat. No. 5,622,356 references prior art such as Goodrich U.S. Pat. No.5,311,713, which discloses a device to incase a utility pole prior toinstallation, and Company U.S. Pat. No. 405,658, which discloses acylindrical pole protector, both of which are deemed unsuitable forassembly on to posts that are previously erected. This is also true forNesbitt U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. US20050005540A1, which defines a devicethat is suitable for free standing post protection, but due to itsdesign and manufacturing process, is also deemed not suitable forassembly on to posts that are used in pre-existing fence structures. Itis an object of the present invention to provide a device that can notonly be used on pre-existing fences, but also is capable of being usedon free standing posts as well. Unlike Duggan U.S. Pat. No. 5,311,713,the present invention can accomplish this with only a single device.Duggan U.S. Pat. No. 5,311,713 requires the use of two three-paneleddevices, installed opposite to each other, to protect free standingposts.

In addition to vertical post applications, such as mailbox or fenceposts, there are also post applications where the posts may be at anangle other than 90 degrees to the ground, or posts that are secured toground with a grade other than 90 degrees to the post, which alsorequire protection. Examples include a swing set with standard A-framesupport posts or a backyard deck with post supports secured to a pitchedor graded landscape. If prior art such as Duggan U.S. Pat. No. 5,311,713were used in these applications, the post protector would not sit flushon the ground, which would allow portions of the post to be exposed andprone to damage. However, Nesbitt U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No.US20050005540A1 does disclose a device capable of protecting a swing setsupport post, which is accomplished through a preformed device; it isnot capable of also being used on a vertical post application with thesame device without leaving portions of the post exposed to damage, aspreviously described. It is an object of the present invention toprovide a device that provides provisions to accommodate non-verticalpost applications, such as a swing set support posts, with a singledevice that can also be used for vertical post applications that areagain either free standing or used in previously constructed fenceapplications. As will be further defined, this is accomplished in thepresent invention by providing integrally molded cut guide grooves thatare designed to correspond and equate to the standard angle of theA-frame support posts, and after modification, the present inventionwill sit flush on the ground.

Also, through the use of the molding process and material selection, thepresent invention can be customized to fit various grade applications,as may be seen with many backyard deck support posts.

Furthermore, as previously described, the task of lawn maintenance,specifically around post applications, is typically completed in ahurried fashion. Because of this, it is an object of the presentinvention to include a series of integrally molded flanges on thetopmost edge of this device to prevent the rotating cord of the grasstrimming tool from moving up and over the post protector.

Equally important to protecting the post, a device should be reliablysecured to the post, as it will be subject to contact by not only thegrass trimmer, but also others tools, such as the lawn mower. Prior art,such as Duggan U.S. Pat. No. 5,622,356 and Nesbitt U.S. Pat. App. Pub.No. US20050005540A1, disclose unique means in which to accomplish this,but each have limitations and require additional effort and material.For example, Duggan U.S. Pat. No. 5,622,356 uses spring tension from twopanels of a three panel device for the primary means of retention andoffer holes for fasteners as a secondary means of attachment. If thefasteners are not used, there is potential for the three-sided device tobe disengaged from the post upon contact. Also, Nesbitt U.S. Pat. App.Pub. No. US20050005540A1 discloses the use of adhesive as a means ofsecuring respective device to a post. In addition to adding materialcost, adhesive may be prone to deterioration through exposure toelements that may weaken respective joint. It is an object of thepresent invention to provide a unique and robust means of securing thepost protector to a post through integrally molded self-retentionfeatures, resulting in a low cost and efficient design.

Although inventions exist to either protect a post or to control thegrowth of grass or vegetation around a post, none of these appear to becapable of fulfilling both of these attributes with the same device. Asthe aforementioned patents do provide a means of post protection, albeitwith said limitations, they do not provide a means of controlling thegrowth of grass or vegetation between the post protector and the postitself. For example, O'Berry et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,255 does providea means to prevent growth of grass or vegetation around posts; it doesnot provide any means of protection for the post itself. It is an objectof the present invention to provide a single device with featurescapable of not only protecting the post, but also capable of controllingthe growth of grass or vegetation between the post protector and thepost itself.

With the intention of providing the present invention for masscommercial and residential use, this device was designed to accommodatean ever increasing demand for retail floor and shelving space. This isachieved through manufacturing the present invention in a flat ordeveloped state and the use of integrally molded hinges to ease consumerassembly. In addition to a slender design, the present inventionincorporates a unique self-retaining feature as a means for hanging thisdevice for display or marketing in its as-manufactured state. Also, aseries of holes are offered to allow this device to be hung in avertical or horizontal orientation to provide additional flexibility forretail outlets to optimize display arrangements.

Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may beset forth or apparent from consideration of the following detaileddescription, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood thatboth the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detaileddescription are exemplary and intended to provide further explanationwithout limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides a means to secure a postprotector to a post in a variety of applications including pitched orgraded surfaces, pre-existing fence posts or free standing posts, usingintegral self-retention features all contained within a single device.Constructed of molded durable plastic material, the present inventioncan be either molded-in-color or painted.

Furthermore, being constructed of molded material readily allowsself-retaining post protector to be designed to accommodate a variety ofpost sections of either square, rectangular, circular, and octagonal, orvariations of these shapes. This process also allows for flanging to beused on topmost edge to prevent inadvertent damage caused ifgrass-trimming cord slides up and over the post protector. Flanging usedon inside surfaces of present invention will prevent grass or vegetationfrom growing between post protector and the post itself, while creatingan opposing force in self-retaining feature to further strengthen thisjoint.

Another principal object of this invention is the use of a slot feature,which is used in conjunction with self-retaining feature, to be used asa means of hanging present invention in retail businesses for marketingpurposes. This advantage is present through the use of molding processand will significantly reduce the required retail floor space, allowingthis product to be marketed in a variety of places.

Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may beset forth or apparent from consideration of the following detaileddescription, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood thatboth the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detaileddescription are exemplary and intended to provide further explanationwithout limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of theinvention and together with the detail description serve to explain theprinciples of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a wood post with typical damage caused bythe rotating cord of a grass trimming tool;

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of a wood post with first embodiment of thepost protector of the present invention shown assembled onto said post;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the first embodiment of the presentinvention taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2 showing self-retention featuresand integral hinge design;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2 showinga second embodiment of the present invention with inwardly directedflanges;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the presentinvention with an alternate self retention slot and added holes;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the third embodiment of the present inventionshown in its developed or as-manufactured state;

FIG. 7 is an elevation view of the fourth embodiment of the presentinvention showing the post protector assembled to a post with selfretention features on the side of the post in lieu of corner attachmentsas shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 6, 11, 12, 16, 17 and 18;

FIG. 8 is an elevation view of the fifth embodiment of the presentinvention showing the post protector assembled to a post with selfretention features on the side of the post in lieu of corner attachmentsas shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 6, 11, 12, 16, 17 and 18;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 7 showingdetails of alternate self-retention feature;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 8showing details of alternate self-retention feature;

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the sixth embodiment of the presentinvention showing the post protector assembled to one of two swing setsupport posts;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of the sixth embodiment of present inventionshowing integrally molded cut guide grooves;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the seventh embodiment of thepresent invention taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 5 showing an outwardlydirected flange on topmost edge;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged detail view of FIG. 8 showing the eightembodiment of the present invention with alternate self-retentionfeature;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the sixth embodiment of the presentinvention taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 12 showing integrally moldedcut-guide groove(s);

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the presentinvention shown in its developed or as-manufactured state being hung byrespective self-retention slot using single looped wire hanger;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the presentinvention shown in its developed or as-manufactured state being hung byalternate hole features using multiple wire hangers;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a typical fence showing an alternateapplication of present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, which illustrates a wooden post 10 showing damageand deterioration to the base of the post that is typically caused bythe rotating cord of a grass trimming tool during regular lawnmaintenance. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the first embodiment of presentinvention, where FIG. 2 illustrates self-retaining post protector 12assembled to wooden post 11 for the purposes of protecting it fromdamage shown in FIG. 1. Preferred height h of post protector 12 in FIG.2 is approximately 6 inches. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of woodenpost 11 and self-retaining post protector 12 showing the four panelconstruction with two interior panels 12 b and 12 c, and two exteriorpanels 12 a and 12 d, which are connected through integrally moldedhinges 13 a, 13 b and 13 c. FIG. 3 further illustrates self-retentionfeatures comprised of an integrally molded tab 14 that is centrallylocated and attached to exterior panel 12 d and is inserted throughproperly sized integrally molded slot feature 15 on the adjacentexterior panel 12 a upon assembly. Each of the interior and exteriorpanels 12 a, 12 b, 12 c, and 12 d are approximately 0.10 inches thick,and are of sufficient width w and W to protect either a 4×4 inch or a4×6 inch wooden post. For example, when used with a 4×4 inch post, w andW would have equal dimensions of approximately 3.80 inches toaccommodate actual post size of 3.50 inches, and if used with a 4×6 inchpost, width w would remain at approximately 3.80 inches, while width Wwould be approximately 5.80 inches to accommodate actual post size of5.50 inches. Hinge features 13 a, 13 b and 13 c are comprised of reducedcross sections to a minimum thickness of 0.06 inches to allow for thisdevice to be easily folded and assembled, while providing desiredprotection. The use of Polypropylene material readily accommodates amolding process, making it possible to develop integrally moldedself-retaining features 14 and 15 and hinges 13 a, 13 b and 13 c. Havingthe ability to protect all four sides of a post with an integralretention feature allows for the present invention to be installed onfree standing posts, such as a mail box post, or posts that arepreviously assembled and used in typical fence construction, asdiscussed in detail below. As many different colors may be desirable tomatch existing structures, the use of a molding process andPolypropylene material allows for this device to be either molded incolor or painted as desired to match specific applications. Furthermore,the molding process also allows for modification of the mold dies toinclude graining or texturing of exterior surfaces of panels 12 a, 12 b,12 c and 12 d to further enhance the protective properties of thisdevice, while helping to prevent painted versions from chipping. Itshould be noted and understood that the aforementioned construction andmanufacturing technique of the present invention can be applied toaccommodate a variety of post sizes and shapes, including circular oroctagonal.

Referring now to FIG. 4, which illustrates the second embodiment of thepresent invention with integrally molded, inwardly directed flanges 16a, 16 b, 16 c and 16 d that will help prevent the growth of grass orvegetation between this device and the post itself. Said flanges, moldedcircumferentially and connected to each of the panels 12 a, 12 b, 12 cand 12 d described in FIG. 3, will also provide additional strength inthe self-retention joint by creating an opposing (outward) force in thejoint. It should be noted that respective flanges are not required forsufficient joint or retention performance. A single flange (not shown),or a plurality of flanges, as seen in FIG. 4, can be used with equaleffectiveness in their purpose.

Referring next to FIG. 5, the third embodiment of the present invention12 e is shown in an assembled state with self-retaining tab 14 insertedthrough corresponding slot feature 15 a. Integrally molded slot feature15 a and holes 17 a, 17 b, 17 c and 17 d are designed to be used to hangthis device for display or marketing.

Referring to FIG. 6, the third embodiment of the present invention 12 eis shown in its as-manufactured or flat state having centrally locatedretaining tab 14 on exterior panel 12 d and corresponding integrallymolded slot feature 15 a on exterior panel 12 a. As previouslydescribed, integrally molded hinges 13 a, 13 b and 13 c (13 b not shownin FIG. 6) readily allow for ease of assembly, without compromisingintegrity and purpose of this invention. Also shown are holes 17 a, 17b, 17 c and 17 d, which can be used independently with slot feature 15a, and are not required for post protection.

Referring to FIG. 7, the fourth embodiment of the present invention isillustrated with the type and location of self-retention features 18 aand 18 b residing on the side of the post protector, in lieu of thecorner location as seen in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 6, 11, 12, 16, 17 and 18. Thisalternative requires the use of four hinges that would be constructedsimilar to hinges defined in FIG. 3.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the fifth embodiment of the present inventionis illustrated with the type and location of self retention features 19a, 19 b, 19 c and 19 d residing on the side of the post protector, inlieu of the corner location as seen in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 6, 11, 12, 16, 17and 18. This alternative requires the use of four hinges that would beconstructed similar to hinges defined in FIG. 3.

Referring to FIG. 9, which illustrates details of retention features 18a and 18 b, and engagement for side panel retention feature location.

Referring to FIG. 10, which illustrates details of retention features 19a and 19 b, and engagement for side panel retention feature location. Aplurality of retention tabs can be used as shown in FIG. 8, or a singletab that is centrally located on the side panel can be used with equaleffectiveness.

Referring next to FIG. 11, a swing and support posts are illustrated,which introduces the sixth embodiment of the present invention 12 fassembled to post 21 to prevent damage to the base of respective posts,as can be seen on post 20. These posts 20 and 21 are secured to theswing set through a standard bracket 22 that is typically used in swingset construction. The resulting angle θ is approximately 50 degrees,which is governed by support bracket 22.

Referring now to FIG. 12, post protector 12 f is shown itsas-manufactured or flat state having integrally molded cut-guidegroove's 23 a, 23 b and 23 c, with β1 and β2 equal to approximately 25degrees, which correspond and equate to resultant angles established bystandard swing set support bracket 22 shown in FIG. 11. As seen in FIG.12, cut-guide grooves reside exterior panel 12 a and interior panels 12b and 12 c only. No cut-guide groove is required on exterior panel 12 dfor this application. The resulting configuration, after modification,provides complete perimeter protection to the post by allowing thisdevice to sit flush onto the ground. It should be noted and understoodthat a plurality of cut guide grooves could be used that correspond andequate to resultant angles of other varying degrees of postinstallations. Being molded in a flat state allows for the presentinvention to be placed safely and firmly on a suitable work surface formodification using standard metal shears or razor knife prior toassembly.

Referring to FIG. 13, the seventh embodiment of the present invention isshown by providing integrally-molded outwardly directed flange 24 oflength l of approximately 0.5 inches to prevent the cord of the grasstrimming tool from inadvertently moving up and over the top edge of thisdevice to further protect the post. Flange 24 could be integrally moldedto the top of each of the four panels 12 a, 12 b, 12 c and 12 d asillustrated in FIG. 5.

Referring now to FIG. 14, the eighth embodiment of the present inventionis shown by providing a slotted tab 25 to engage and secure end panels,as opposed to solid tabs 19 a and 19 cas shown in FIG. 8. It should benoted and understood that this method of retention could be used oneither side panel location as seen in FIG. 8, or corner panelapplication as seen in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 6, 16, 17 and 18.

Referring now to FIG. 15, integrally molded cut-guide grooves 23 a, 23 band 23 c, as seen in FIG. 12, are comprised of a depth d ofapproximately 0.08 inches.

Referring now to FIGS. 16 and 17, the third embodiment of the presentinvention is illustrated in its as-manufactured or flat state using selfretention feature slot 15 a as a means to hang this device on a typicallooped wire hanger 26, while FIG. 17 illustrates holes 17 a and 17 bbeing used to hang this device by two standard wire hangers 27 a and 27b. Hole features 17 c and 17 d are also provided to provide flexibilityon orientation. For example, to optimize retail space, it may bedesirable to hang this device in a horizontal state, as which point 17 aand 17 d or 17 b and 17 c, could be jointly used with hangars 27 a and27 b.

Referring next to FIG. 18, an alternate application of present inventionis shown, which illustrates an advantage of present invention ascompared to prior art by being capable of being assembled to a post thatis used in pre-existing fence construction. This is made possible bymanufacturing present invention in a flat state with integral hingefeatures to allow the post protector 12 e (shown in FIG. 18 less holefeatures 17 a, 17 b, 17 c and 17 d) to be slid between fence post 28 andvertical fence boards 29 that are typically secured to stringer board 30of thickness T of approximately 1.75 inches prior to being folded forassembly. The height h of approximately 6 inches of the presentinvention 12 e also allows the present invention to have sufficientclearance to stringer boards 30, which are typically constructed toheight H of approximately 8 to 12 inches above the ground.

While the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are presentlyconsidered to be preferred, it is understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed examples. Modifications in addition to thosediscussed can be made without departing from the invention. For example,as previously mentioned, use of the aforementioned construction methodand features can be applied to posts with a variety of cross sections,including circular or octagonal. Furthermore, the retention features canbe comprised of a variety of end fittings, such as barbed, circular ortapered features.

1. A self-retaining post protector for protecting a square orrectangular post comprised of: a device having typically four panelsintegrally connected through continuous material construction, and isfurther defined by having two interior panels and two exterior panelsthat are manufactured with appropriately sized reduced cross sections atrespective corners to allow this device to be easily folded forassembly, which is made possible through the use of standard moldingprocess that will produce this device in a flat or developed state. Saidreduction in cross section creates hinges to connect respective panelsfor self-retaining continuity and strength. Through the use of featuresexclusive to this device and respective manufacturing techniques, thisdevice can also be designed to fit a variety of geometrically shapedposts, such as circular or octagonal sections.
 2. The post protector ofclaim 1 wherein the geometry of said post protector is conducive andsuitable, but not limited to, the use of Polypropylene material ofappropriate grade and composition.
 3. The post protector of claim 1,further comprising an integrally molded flange on the top edge of eachof the panels described in claim 1 that are projected outward with anappropriate length to prevent rotating cord of grass trimmer from movingover top edge of this device to further protect post from inadvertentdamage.
 4. The post protector of claim 1, further comprising anintegrally molded tab centrally located on the edge of one of the twoexterior panels described in claim 1 with an integrally molded retentionfeature on said tab to attach to and through a facilitating opening onthe second exterior panel to provide a means of retention upon assemblyto secure and locate device described in claim 1 to a post.
 5. The postprotector of claim 1, further comprising an integrally molded tab or aplurality of molded tabs on and along the edge of one of the twoexterior panels described in claim 1 with an integrally molded retentionfeature on said tab(s) to attach to and through facilitating opening(s)on the second exterior panel to provide a means of retention uponassembly to secure and locate device described in claim 1 to post. 6.The post protector of claim 1, further comprising an integrally moldedtab on and along the entire edge of one of the two exterior panelsdescribed in claim 1 with an integrally molded retention feature on saidtab to attach to a facilitating opening that is integrally molded on andalong the entire edge of the second exterior panel to provide a means ofretention upon assembly to secure and locate device described in claim 1to post.
 7. The post protector of claim 1, having an integrally moldedattachment feature on exterior panel used to accommodate and facilitateattachment of said molded tab described in claim 4 for use in marketingand displaying this device described in claim 1 by means ofaccommodating standard looped-wire hangers typically used in retailbusinesses.
 8. The post protector of claim 1, having an integrallymolded attachment features on exterior panel used to accommodate andfacilitate attachments of said molded tabs described in claim 5 for usein marketing and displaying this device described in claim 1 by means ofaccommodating standard looped-wire hangers typically used in retailbusinesses.
 9. The post protector of claim 1, having integrally moldedsets of holes on exterior panels described in claim 1 for use inmarketing and displaying of this device described in claim 1 by means ofaccommodating standard wire rods typically used in retail businesses.10. The post protector of claim 1, further comprising an integrallymolded single flange or a plurality of flanges on inside surfaces of theinterior and exterior panels described in claim 1 that would be directedinward to contact the post to prevent grass or vegetation from growingbetween the said post protector and the post itself. Said moldedflange(s) can also used to create an opposing force in self-retainingfeature described in claim 4 and claim 5 to further strengthen joint.11. A post protector as in any of the preceding claims that furthercomprises integrally molded grooves that reside on the inside surfacesof the interior and exterior panels described in claim 1 that correspondand equate to the resultant standard angle of common swing set supportposts, to provide a means of guiding modification of present inventionprior to assembly and installation on to said posts.